Jermaine Lamarr Cole, famously known as J. Cole is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He’s one of the few musicians who always seems to make it to the top of various charts. Moving millions of copies is nothing new for him with several platinum records to his name. Furthermore, J Cole has won many awards throughout his career, including two BET Hip Hop Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and one Soul Train Music Award.
J. Cole is one of the few hip-hop artists who is known for his exceptional storytelling skills. His lyrical prowess has helped him stand out in an industry where many artists rely on ghostwriters. Throughout his career, he has maintained the authenticity of his lyrics, making it clear that he writes his own lyrics.
The Early Years
The journey to becoming one of the greatest rappers of all time began for Cole when he was young. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, he grew up in North Carolina in a predominantly low-income neighborhood. At fifteen years old, he began writing his own raps and songs. Cole’s mother originally bought him an 808 beat machine, and he taught himself how to use it.
Starting out, J. Cole struggled to make it in the music industry. He sent demos to various producers, hoping to catch a break. However, he rarely received a response. In 2007, he released his first mixtape called “The Come Up” independently. This release ended up being the perfect platform for Cole to showcase his talents.
With the release of his mixtape “The Warm-Up” in 2009, Cole’s fan base grew significantly. He’s known for his raw and honest lyrics, which have resonated with millions of people worldwide.
J. Cole’s Songwriting Ability
There’s no denying that J. Cole is an excellent songwriter. He has written all his lyrics throughout his career. He has an innate talent for storytelling, which he effortlessly weaves into his songs, making his music all the more relatable.
J. Cole’s lyrics deal with a wide variety of experiences. He can effortlessly touch on topics such as racism, love, mental health, politics, and social justice with his music. He uses his platform mainly to raise awareness of the issues that affect society as a whole.
Furthermore, J. Cole has always exercised meticulous attention to detail when it comes to his lyrics. He’s known for spending countless hours perfecting his songs. One aspect of his songwriting that sets him apart from other rappers is his ability to connect with the listener emotionally. His music is partly responsible for reigniting the conscious rap movement.
Does J. Cole Use Ghostwriters?
The rap industry is known for having ghostwriters, which begs the question, does J. Cole use them? The answer is a resounding no.
J. Cole has never used ghostwriters throughout his entire career. He is known for being a perfectionist and taking the time to perfect his music. To him, the process of writing and putting out music is personal. He believes that writing his lyrics provides authenticity and gives him the power to communicate his message to people genuinely.
While it’s true that a few rappers in the industry use ghostwriters, J. Cole has never been one of them.
The Bottom Line
J. Cole is one of the few rappers in the industry who have maintained the authenticity of their lyrics by writing them themselves. His music carries the weight of his experiences, beliefs, emotions, and aspirations, making it relatable to millions of people worldwide.
Furthermore, his music has touched the lives of many, and his stories will be passed down for generations to come. With each album release, J. Cole seems to bring something unique to the table, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, wondering what’s next.
Conclusion
J. Cole’s achievements in the rap industry are second to none. His ability to weave a story with his words is something that differentiates him from other rappers. His dedication to songwriting is truly remarkable, and it is no wonder that he has amassed such a large fan base. In conclusion, it is clear that J. Cole writes his own lyrics.
FAQ
Why did J. Cole write the song be free?
J. Cole is a rapper and songwriter who is known for his socially conscious lyrics and willingness to address difficult and controversial topics in his music. In August 2014, he released a new single called “Be Free”, which was inspired by the death of 18-year-old Michael Brown at the hands of Ferguson, Missouri police.
The shooting of Michael Brown sparked protests and riots in Ferguson and across the United States, as people demanded justice for the young man and an end to police brutality. J. Cole was deeply affected by these events and felt compelled to use his platform to speak out against what he saw as a systemic problem of violence and inequality in the US.
In a statement accompanying the release of “Be Free”, J. Cole explained that the song was his attempt to process the complex emotions he was feeling in the wake of Brown’s death. He wrote, “I’m tired of being desensitized to the murder of black men. I don’t give a f*** if it’s by police or peers. This s*** is not normal.”
The lyrics of “Be Free” are a powerful and emotional commentary on the injustice and pain experienced by Black Americans in a society that too often fails to value their lives. Cole expresses his anger, frustration, and grief over the loss of Michael Brown and the countless others who have died under similar circumstances.
By creating “Be Free”, J. Cole joins a long tradition of artists who have used their music as a means of protest and social commentary. He demonstrates the power of music to both reflect and shape culture, and he challenges listeners to engage with the important issues of our time. The song serves as a call to action, urging us all to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Does J. Cole have a ghostwriter?
The question of whether J. Cole has a ghostwriter is one that has been circulating for quite some time now. Some have suggested that the rapper, like many of his peers in the music industry, may have used ghostwriters to create some of his popular lyrics. However, while there have been accusations and claims made, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that J. Cole has employed a ghostwriter throughout his career.
One of the main reasons why J. Cole being accused of having a ghostwriter is due to his lyrical abilities. Many argue that his wordplay, metaphors, and storytelling are so advanced that it seems improbable that he could have written them himself. However, it is essential to keep in mind that great rappers like J. Cole are known for their unique styles and techniques. They spend years honing their craft and perfecting their skills. Therefore, it is possible that the rapper is just extremely talented and that his work comes from years of practice and hard work.
Another point that is important to consider is that writing credits do not mean that a rapper has used a ghostwriter. In many cases, a writing credit is given for a variety of reasons, including the use of samples, the inclusion of melodies, or contributions to the production. Therefore, to assume that J. Cole has a ghostwriter simply because he shares a writing credit with somebody else is not an accurate assessment of the situation.
Additionally, J. Cole has consistently spoken out against the use of ghostwriters in the music industry. In an interview with Complex, he stated that “If I’m telling my story, I’m going to tell my story. I don’t need someone else to come and tell me what my story is.” Furthermore, he has openly criticized rappers who use ghostwriters, suggesting that it undermines the authenticity of the music and diminishes the value of their art.
While there have been accusations and claims made, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that J. Cole has ever used a ghostwriter. Given his skills, dedication, and efforts in the music industry, it is entirely possible that his work comes from years of practice and hard work, and that he is just an extraordinarily talented rapper. As such, it is essential not to make unfounded assumptions and to always take into account the nuances and complexities of the music industry when analyzing the writing credits of a rapper.